Almost ANY domestic pet
can be a Therapy Pet!
Angel Paws registers & insures 9 different species of therapy pets via Pet Partners. Scroll down for requirements.
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Therapy cats are in especially high demand!
Autum, Angel Paws Therapy Cat
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Therapy Animals Large and Small are wonderful!
Pixie, Angel Paws Therapy Horse
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Pocket Pets have love to share too!
Rupert, Angel Paws Therapy Pig
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Skills & Aptitude Test information for "Very Small Dogs" & other species included below!
IF YOU NEED HELP TRAINING, SOCIALIZING, OR DESENSITIZING YOUR PET (NOT JUST DOGS!) PLEASE SCROLL DOWN TO SEE RECOMMENDED TRAINERS
IF YOU NEED HELP TRAINING, SOCIALIZING, OR DESENSITIZING YOUR PET (NOT JUST DOGS!) PLEASE SCROLL DOWN TO SEE RECOMMENDED TRAINERS
Latifah, The Therapy Bunny
story reprinted from Reading Education Assistance Dogs (R.E.A.D.) Facebook Page
(click HERE for original post)
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Years ago Latifah was surrendered to the Minnesota Companion Rabbit Society as an obese angry girl. Spinning, grunting, and lunging Latifah had no time for anyone. Months in the care of our experienced rehab foster homes brought improvement. When finally Latifah responded with interest and love I knew she could not be moved again and I adopted her into my family. Latifah thrived in my life and blossomed into a happy healthy agility star showing great intelligence and skill learning verbal commands and mastering a complex course of obstacles. In 2008 Latifah received her registration with Pet Partners (then Delta Society) and shortly after her R.E.A.D. registration as well. Forward to today and Latifah is still spreading happiness. Elderly now she has lost the use of her back legs but not her spirit or love of attention. She and her new wheelchair visit seniors and children in the hospital. She LOVES to R.E.A.D. and carefully follows the child as they move from page to page. Her head moves with theirs as they read her favorite stories even though last year deep ear abcesses took her hearing.
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Please visit our "Can My Dog Be A Therapy Dog" web page too!
Although it's written for dogs it's important information that applies to ALL Therapy Pets.
Although it's written for dogs it's important information that applies to ALL Therapy Pets.
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ELIGIBLE SPECIES
There are a great many species that make wonderful visiting animals and can form a strong human-animal bond. Only domesticated animals may become Pet Partners. It is important to remember that all species of therapy animals must be comfortable, relaxed and enjoy interacting with strangers away from home. Examples of Registered Pet Partners include: dogs, cats, Guinea pigs, rabbits, domesticated rats, horses, llamas, donkeys, Cockatoos, African Gray Parrots, potbellied pigs, & miniature pigs. |
BIRDS
• Must have lived in the owner's home for at least 1 year. "POCKET PETS" (e.g., guinea pigs, rabbits, rats, etc.) • Must be at least 6 months old at the time of the team evaluation.
ALL OTHER ANIMALS (including Dogs)
• Must have lived in the owner's home for at least 6 months at the time of the team evaluation. • Must be at least 1 year old at the time of the team evaluation.
SPECIES NOT ELIGIBLE: Wolves or Wolf-hybrids, wild or exotic animals (e.g., snakes, ferrets, lizards) MAY NOT be Pet Partners.
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Pet Partners Skills & Aptitude Test for
"Very Small Dogs", Cats, Birds, Bunnies Pocket Pets, Equines etc.
Pet Partners teams with alternate species (very small dogs, cats, birds, bunnies, pocket pets, horses etc.) must still pass the 22 part Delta Society Pet Partners Skills & Aptitude Test. "Very small dogs" may be carried but ALL dogs must walk on the floor for the out for a walk exercise. "Very small dogs" are defined as being about 10" tall at the shoulder and 10 to 15 lbs in weight. Typically a "very small dog" can easily be picked up with 1 hand. Small pets may be carried in a crate, basket or on a towel with a harness & leash. (*Strollers may be used with prior approval only, see below) Most exercises are the same with the exception of the sit, down, stay & come exercises. As a substitution for those exercises small pets will be placed in strangers laps for interaction both with the support of petting by the handler and without petting by the handler. Grooming, overall exam and exuberant and clumsy petting will be conducted on a table. Equines do not have to sit, down, or come when called but must stand in place while handler moves 3 feet to the side as an alternate to the "stay". All animals must be leashed and harnessed (or collar).
PPSAT Information below may be printed or viewed in full screen.
Additional behavioral consideration information for alternate species will be provided in your Pet Partners Handlers Workshop
Click HERE for more detailed descriptions of all PPSAT exercises process & purpose for all species.
Additional behavioral consideration information for alternate species will be provided in your Pet Partners Handlers Workshop
Click HERE for more detailed descriptions of all PPSAT exercises process & purpose for all species.
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Very Small Dogs & Cats
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Rabbit's & Guinea Pigs
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Rats
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All species can respond well to Clicker Training! Click HERE to learn about Clicker Training!
See Recommended Clicker Trainers for alternate species below.
See Recommended Clicker Trainers for alternate species below.
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Pigs
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Equines (horses, donkey's & mules)
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Lamas & Alpacas
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Evaluation Considerations for Small Animals in Strollers
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There are different circumstances where the use of a stroller or cart to transport a therapy animal may be appropriate. For example, cats or small breed dogs may move through the halls of a facility using a stroller, rather than being carried. Strollers can also be appropriate for other pocket pets such as rabbits or guinea pigs. Handlers who have back problems may also benefit from the use of strollers. Additionally, animals with a physical disability that prohibits them from walking independently may use strollers.
Equipment Only strollers or carts that are pushed in front of the handler are acceptable. Wagons or pull carts that are drawn behind are not considered safe. Typically clients and facility staff are not expecting a handler to pull something behind them and therefore drawn carts or wagons can pose a tripping hazard. |
PPSAT for Animals in Strollers
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NOTE*** All stroller or cart equipment must be approved by Pet Partners before an evaluation can be held. Evaluators must request a review and approval of the stroller prior to the evaluation. Documentation of the approval can be a printed email and must be submitted with registration packet. Key considerations for strollers are that they are safe for everyone: animal, handler and client. The things Pet Partners will look for in order to approve a piece of equipment such as a stroller include:
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Enclosures and Leashes: Many strollers have hoods or covers that enclose the animal. Although it may be appropriate for an animal to be enclosed while traveling from a car into the facility, the purpose of therapy animal visits is client interaction with the animal. Therefore, during the evaluation, the stroller should be open. You’ll see the notation “hood open” on the practical exam guide.
Regardless for the reason of using a stroller, all animals must still wear a collar or harness and the handler have control of the leash at all times. Depending on the design of the stroller, a long lead may be needed so the handler can hold the leash while pushing the stroller. It is acceptable to switch to a shorter lead if the animal is taken out of the stroller for some exercises, such as being passed between assistants.
Behavioral Considerations: Evaluators will continue to look for stress signals appropriate to the species being evaluated in a stroller. Also look for guarding behavior or uneasiness as you enter their stroller space, as animals may view the stroller as their territory. Additionally for animals using a stroller due to disability, be alert for physical discomfort. Be prepared to discuss any necessary accommodations that may be necessary for animals with a physical disability when visiting in order to protect and promote the animal’s health and welfare.
Regardless for the reason of using a stroller, all animals must still wear a collar or harness and the handler have control of the leash at all times. Depending on the design of the stroller, a long lead may be needed so the handler can hold the leash while pushing the stroller. It is acceptable to switch to a shorter lead if the animal is taken out of the stroller for some exercises, such as being passed between assistants.
Behavioral Considerations: Evaluators will continue to look for stress signals appropriate to the species being evaluated in a stroller. Also look for guarding behavior or uneasiness as you enter their stroller space, as animals may view the stroller as their territory. Additionally for animals using a stroller due to disability, be alert for physical discomfort. Be prepared to discuss any necessary accommodations that may be necessary for animals with a physical disability when visiting in order to protect and promote the animal’s health and welfare.
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NEW KITTEN KINDERGARTEN AT POSIDOG IN COLUMBUS!!! (for kittens 7-16 weeks at start of class) Starts Sunday, June 29th at 12:00 pm - $99. for 5 weeks! Early socialization away from home is essential for kittens as well as puppies! If you would like to volunteer with a Therapy Cat - or if you would like to give a new kitten the happiest life possible - this is a great way to start!!! Learn with your kitten about appropriate play, how to have successful vet visits, grooming tips, litter box training, trick training, socialization with other animals and people, training and preventing common behavior problems, feline enrichment activities, and much more! There will also be kitten play time during each class. Because it is unclear if any particular individual would be a good therapy cat candidate, just like puppies, this course will not be one our candidates are eligible to receive a discount on. Click on blue Kitten Kindergarten button above for details & registration!
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Recommended Animal Trainers who work with numerous species in addition to dogs are:
A Frame of Mind Dog Training
Kristen Van Ness, KPA-CTP (740) 644-0049 A Frame of Mind Dog Training http://afmdog.com/about-kristen/ Kristen lives in Alexandria, Ohio, is available for local private training in Licking County & Columbus long distance training via email & video & also trains at PosiDog Canine Learning Center in Columbus. Meet Kristen Van Ness ...
Kristen is the owner of A Frame of Mind Dog Training a graduate of the renowned Karen Pryor Academy for Dog Trainers and is currently studying animal behavior at the Ohio State University and training at Posidog Canine Learning Center in Columbus. She is TAGteach Level 1 certified, a Licking County 4-H advisor, a Canine Good Citizen evaluator, and a licensed Be a Tree program presenter. She has trained multiple species including cats, cows, horses, mice, and a bird. Kristen volunteers with Second Chance Humane Society in Johnstown and has competed in CPE and USDAA Agility and in APDT and AKC Rally Obedience. Kristen has served as a Temporary Alternate Evaluator in Angel Paws Pet Partners Skills & Aptitude Test and is available for private coaching in obedience, rally, agility, manners, and basic behavior problem solving as well as Therapy Dog basic skills training. Kristen also trains long distance via email and video! Please see her A Frame of Mind Dog Training web site for long distance training testimonials!
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Get A Cue
Ami Jones, KPA-CTP MA, Evolution, Ecology & Behavior
614.425.0180 Get A Cue www.getacue.com Ami lives in Westerville, Ohio and provides in-home private lessons and consultations throughout central Ohio. Meet Ami Jones ...
Ami Jones is the owner of Get A Cue Pet Training & Behavioral Counseling, a graduate of the renowned Karen Pryor Academy for Dog Trainers and earned a Masters Degree in Evolution, Ecology and Behavior. Ami also studied and taught advanced tropical ecology in Costa Rica, where she released three rehabilitated black-handed spider monkeys into the wild. She continued her studies in South Africa where she observed Chacma baboons and dove with great white sharks! She also volunteered for two years as a state-licensed wildlife rehabilitator for the SPCA of Western New York. Ami chose the Karen Pryor Academy for Dog Trainers because in her words; "What I love is that Karen's program is in sync with everything I've learned throughout my formal education in terms of how animals learn best, what motivates animals, and more. The KPA force-free methods and positive reinforcement training resonate with my own ethical compass, and I enjoy the process of training an animal from beginning to end." Angel Paws is thrilled to have found a trainer to work with a variety of species in addition to dogs.
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Related pages ...
WELCOME & Thank You For Your Interest
Angel Paws Training & Registration Process
Delta Society Pet Partners Skills & Aptitude Test
Perks & Requirements
Service Description
Who We Serve
2 Year Membership Renewal
Dogs ...
Puppies
Reading Education Assistance Dogs (R.E.A.D)
Auxiliary Angels (no pet required)
Angel Paws Training & Registration Process
Delta Society Pet Partners Skills & Aptitude Test
Perks & Requirements
Service Description
Who We Serve
2 Year Membership Renewal
Dogs ...
Puppies
Reading Education Assistance Dogs (R.E.A.D)
Auxiliary Angels (no pet required)